As springtime quickly approaches, a flurry of outdoor events are planned throughout the region. But, not to be outdone in its own backyard, Tampa’s Busch Gardens has blended three theme-park talents — food, drinks and entertainment — to draw locals to the Food & Wine Festival’s fourth installment.
The annual fest, which opened March 3 and runs through April 29, showcases a highly curated lineup of bites and beverages, including a beer selection that ain’t too shabby. Spread out across various culinary cabins, this year’s highlights include 63 craft and imported brews, more than 65 wines, and 10 types of bourbon, tequila and other spirits used for cocktails — plus 50 food items.
During a VIP tasting last week, CL sampled a few standout beer and food pairings that attendees can pull off at the event. First off, don’t pass up on Motorworks Brewing’s Intellectual Property Ale and the grilled lamb chops with tabbouleh and tzatziki from the Field House Eatery. The IPA enhances the plate’s subtle spice, offering great citrus and herbal qualities that complement — rather than overpower — the simple flavors of the lamb and tabbouleh.
My next stop was the Southern Station, where a spin on an old-school classic is found. The Solid Gold lager brewed by Founders Brewing Co. matches well with the bison slider, served on a mini poppy-seed roll alongside bacon and Sriracha ketchup. Simply timeless, the pairing has a little kick and a heartier taste from the bison, but the lager ultimately cuts down the dish’s heaviness, leaving the palate refreshed.
For a match both fresh and bright, head to the Garden Gate Café. The Hawaiian seasoned tuna is great when downed with You're My Boy, Blue! from Brew Bus. This dynamic duo brings out lots of clean, complementary flavors from each other — and a blueberry wheat ale that doesn’t taste like fake syrups is a plus.
I rounded out my test run of the event with a sweet finish. Back at the Southern Station, Highland Brewing Company’s Gaelic Ale and bananas Foster panna cotta with caramel popcorn results in a rich pairing, with loads of caramel sweetness and toasted malt notes shining through. It’s definitely for crowdgoers looking to fulfill a craving or two.
With so many options to choose from, one of my favorite aspects of the Food & Wine Festival is the freedom. Attendees are able to grab a beer from any tent and enjoy it with a tasty dish from the next, making for a seemingly endless pool of pairing possibilities.
This article appears in Mar 1-8, 2018.